Hey Google, Can KitchenAid’s Smart Display Teach Me How to Cook? – IT AND US

LAS VEGAS—For many people, the days of cookbooks are long gone. Grimy pages have been replaced by websites and apps that cater to every skill level and palate. And while finding the perfect recipe has undoubtedly become easier, actually following it in the kitchen can be a real challenge.

Put simply, most smart displays and tablets just aren’t rugged enough to handle soiled or wet hands. KitchenAid, a company that’s made high-end kitchen appliances for the last century, is about to fix that with its new KitchenAid Smart Display with Google Assistant.

For the most part, the KitchenAid Smart Display has a similar aesthetic to its competitors. On the front, there’s a 10-inch touch screen with bulky bezels, while four powerful speakers are nestled on its sides. And while KitchenAid’s solution may not be as sexy as the Google Home Hub or Lenovo Smart Display, it has a few benefits that make it a great choice for the kitchen.

In addition to having a smaller footprint and appearing to weigh less than its competitors, the KitchenAid Smart Display also has an IPX-5 water-resistance rating, so it stands up to more than the accidental splash. In fact, a KitchenAid rep told PCMag the display was designed to be cleaned under running water.

But design is only part of the equation. Google Assistant integration can help with many common kitchen tasks. You can quickly set timers, search for YouTube instructional videos, create shopping lists, and even order ingredients or supplies via Google Express. It can also make your time in the kitchen a little more enjoyable since the smart display allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts or playlists, catch up on streaming videos, or even watch live TV with YouTube TV.

Also coming to the KitchenAid Smart Display is Yummly Pro, a new premium service announced at CES that offers step-by-step recipes from a stable of influential chefs, including Carla Hall and Richard Blais.

While we saw the KitchenAid Smart Display in person here at CES, the unit was not operational. Instead, the display looped a video showing all its potential abilities. We can report, however, that the speakers were exceptionally loud and should have no problem filling a room.

Expect to see the KitchenAid Smart Display in stores in the second half of the year. The unit will set you back between $200-$300, putting it in the same price range as other smart displays that are not water-resistant.